A WEST Devon-based equine charity, which has found itself in a 'dreadful period', last week launched an urgent appeal for funding to help the charity survive.

South West Equine Protection (SWEP), which is currently trying to build a desperately-needed new yard in Yelverton, has nearly used all of its allocated building fund just trying to stay afloat.

The charity has now launched a campaign (#SavingSWEP) appealing for donations of any size via a Crowdfunding website.

Charity founder Maureen Rolls said: 'I started rescuing moorland ponies over 40 years ago from Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor.

'There was a need to help these ponies even though they are all owned by farmers with grazing rights on the moors.

'If the ponies get into trouble foaling, hit by a car and/or any other problems, the answer was always the same and that was to shoot the ponies.

'Having run the charity for over thirty years with volunteers, we were very busily involved with any issues that these dear ponies suffered and there soon became a need to employ staff.'

Mrs Rolls said the charity is coming into a crucial time of the year with mares giving birth, some mares needing help and veterinary treatment and dealing with orphaned foals after mares die during birth.

She said they also start to bring in emaciated ponies that have managed to survive the winter on just their body fat.

'SWEP has started to build the new yard, which is so desperately needed for the ponies, but now the funds have dried up we have had to use our building fund to survive and this is now running out very fast,' said Mrs Rolls.

'We need your help desperately. Any money that you can send for the ponies will help us to survive this dreadful period of being very short on funds, anything you can spare will be a great help.'

She said it cost SWEP £18,000 a month to continue the crucial work it does.

Mrs Rolls pleaded: 'Please tell your friends about our work and that we are very desperate for money to continue helping Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor ponies.

'The work we do can only happen with your kindness and donations, so please send your donation today and gift aid it, if you qualify, which enables your donation to go further.

'The ponies thank you all.'

Anyone who would like to help the charity in its time of need can donate by visiting http://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/saving-south-west-equine-protection/">www.crowdfunder.co.uk/saving-south-west-equine-protection/